Research Engineer

Hydro; Finspångs kommun; On-site; SEK 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High-impact role

Cutting-edge technologies

International collaboration

Hands-on technical environment

Autonomy in improvements

Travel opportunities

Quality and safety culture

Job summary

Hydro is seeking a senior metallurgist to drive the optimization of aluminium extrusion processes, focusing on alloys, heat treatment and product quality. You will collaborate with research, operations, customers, and universities to develop advanced extrusion solutions.

The role combines deep metallurgical knowledge with practical manufacturing insight across sites, enabling data‑driven improvements in performance, efficiency and sustainability. Fluency in English and Swedish is required.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Physical Metallurgy, Materials Science, or related technical discipline.
• Strong knowledge of aluminium alloys and related processing.
• Experience with heat treatment, precipitation hardening, recrystallization, grain structure control, and property development.
• Familiarity with metallography, testing, ISO standards, and customer qualification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide metallurgical expertise for aluminium extrusion operations including casting, homogenization, extrusion, quenching, aging.
• Develop, evaluate, and qualify new alloys, process technologies, and extrusion products.
• Collaborate with production teams to establish process standards and best practices.
• Support customer projects with technical metallurgical guidance.
• Conduct metallurgical investigations, laboratory testing, and failure analyses.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and customer documentation.

Skills

Alloy development

Heat treatment knowledge

Metallurgical testing

Data analytics

Cross-functional collaboration

English & Swedish

Education

PhD in Physical Metallurgy

Master's in Materials Science

Tools

Power BI

Python

Job description

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Hydro Extrusions is a world-leading aluminium extrusion business counting around 100 production sites in 40 countries and employing 20,000 people. Through our unique combination of local expertise, global network, and unmatched R&D capabilities, we can offer everything from standard profiles, to advanced development and manufacturing for most industries.

Role Purpose

Drive the optimization of metallurgical processes across the aluminium extrusion value chain.
Ensure consistent product quality and strengthen operational excellence through expertise in alloys, heat treatment, and process performance. Collaborate with research, operations, commercial teams, customers, institutes, and universities to solve technical challenges and develop advanced aluminium extrusion solutions.

What you will be doing

• Provide metallurgical expertise for aluminium extrusion operations, including casting, homogenization, extrusion, quenching, stretching, and aging
• Develop, evaluate, and qualify new alloys, process technologies, and extrusion products
• Develop and optimize alloy performance for mechanical and functional properties, extrusion productivity, and sustainability
• Collaborate with production teams to establish process standards and best practices
• Support customer projects with technical expertise and metallurgical guidance
• Support root cause analysis and problem-solving for quality issues related to alloy selection, mechanical properties, and geometrical stability
• Conduct metallurgical investigations, laboratory testing, and failure analyses
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and customer documentation
• Ensure work is performed in compliance with the Hydro Quality system, HSE regulations, policies, and standardized operating procedures
• Perform other tasks assigned by the responsible manager that support the operation of the unit and comply with applicable laws and company rules
• Comply with area‑specific customer requirements

What will make you successful?

• PhD or Master’s degree in Physical Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline
• Strong knowledge of aluminium alloys
• Knowledge of heat treatment, precipitation hardening, recrystallization, grain structure control, and mechanical property development
• Familiarity with metallography, microscopy, hardness testing, tensile testing, quality systems, ISO standards, and customer qualification requirements is preferred
• Experience in aluminium extrusion, aluminium processing, or a metallurgical manufacturing environment
• Practical experience with metallurgical testing and analysis techniques
• Experience with automotive, building systems, industrial, electrical, or renewable energy applications is preferred
• Knowledge of adjacent fields such as corrosion, extrusion simulation, or process modelling is an advantage
• Familiarity with data analytics tools, including Power BI and Python, is an asset
• Fluent English and Swedishboth written and spoken
• Curious, data-driven, and motivated to solve complex technical challenges
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities
• Ability to combine deep metallurgical knowledge with practical manufacturing understanding
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills
• Able to work effectively with research, operational, commercial, customer, and academic partners
• Focused on measurable improvements in product performance, quality, operational efficiency, and customer success

What we offer you

• A high-impact role in advanced manufacturing projects
• Opportunities to work with cutting‑edge technologies
• International collaboration and exposure across sites
• A dynamic and hands‑on technical environment
• Autonomy and responsibility in driving process improvements
• Travel opportunities and involvement in on‑site operations
• A strong culture of quality, safety, and continuous learning

Equal opportunities

At Hydro, we believe diversity makes us stronger. We welcome diverse experiences and perspectives, and invite all qualified candidates to apply. We review every application fairly and strive to provide equal opportunities for everyone to grow and succeed.

Apply before: 12/31/2026

If you have any questions, please contact:

Are you looking to make a real impact? For over a century, our people have been the driving force in solving some of the world's most pressing issues - and we hope you'll join us in solving the next century's. Whether you're working to close the loop at one of our recycling facilities or ensuring efficient renewable energy processes to decarbonize aluminium production, your contributions make an impact in our shared purpose of propelling our industries and the world into a greener future.

About Hydro

• Hydro is a leading aluminium and renewable energy company committed to a sustainable future
• Founded: 1905
• Number of employees: 32,000
• Company presence in around 40 countries worldwide

A key part of succeeding in this mission involves encouraging a collegial environment where our differencesare acknowledged as our greatest competitive advantage. Your diverse perspective makes us stronger. Ourglobal diversity, inclusion and belonging program enables us to cultivate a high‑performing and inclusiveworkplace where everyone feels valued.

Your career journey is unique. We strive to provide you with the support needed to achieve your full potential.With our global reach, inclusive culture, and cutting‑edge technology you'll have the opportunity to build acareer that aligns with your strengths and passions. Join our global community of over 30,000 people with apresence in 40 countries and united by the values of Care, Courage and Collaboration. At Hydro, you havethe chance to make a difference in the industries that matter. Explore our world and the heart of our operations.